This is perhaps the hardest football post I have ever written as an Argentina supporter. But sometimes, even the heart has to bow before greatness.
Even as a die-hard Argentina fan, I was reminded of the old saying:
“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.”
We all knew that a team which had conceded just one goal throughout the tournament deserved to be champions. How could a side that failed to register a single shot on target in the first ninety minutes of a World Cup final emerge triumphant?
Had it not been for the brilliance of Emiliano Martínez, Spain would almost certainly have found the net several times. Enzo Fernández’s red card all but sealed Argentina’s fate.
My head knew all this.
But my heart, like millions of Argentina fans across the globe, kept hoping for one last miracle from the Maestro.
Perhaps it simply wasn’t meant to be.
Messi had already given us unforgettable moments in the semifinal with two magnificent assists. Football, after all, is about agony and ecstasy in equal measure.
It was a long night of endless debates at home about whether Argentina truly deserved to be in the final after surviving close encounters against Cape Verde and Egypt. Just as in life, when you love someone, you often fail to see their flaws.
We all wanted one last victory dance from Messi.
That would have taken him to a level no footballer has ever dared to reach.
Yet Spain’s triumph was also built on extraordinary human stories.
Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams represented a generation that plays with joy, humility and maturity beyond their years. Reading about Nico Williams’ family walking barefoot across the Sahara in search of a better future makes this triumph even more inspiring. Some of life’s greatest battles are fought long before the spotlight finds you.
Argentina were comprehensively outplayed in every department.
But no farewell could ever command the emotion, admiration and global attention that surrounds Lionel Messi. Even as he defended the title until the final with flashes of the brilliance that has mesmerised us for over two decades, we remained greedy for one more magical moment from the Messiah.
Spain, who had earlier overcome a magnificent French side, were worthy champions in every sense. Reaching two World Cup finals and winning both is an extraordinary achievement.
Today, all roads lead to Madrid.
What a city it must be today—to witness the delirium, the celebrations and the joy of a nation crowned world champions once again.
For Argentina fans, there is still solace in the unforgettable memories of this tournament, especially that stirring semifinal victory over England.
Like life itself, football is about passing the baton.
Watching the composure, humility and character of Lamine Yamal and his teammates, I am convinced the beautiful game is in safe hands.
And as the old football saying goes:
“You may change your spouse, your politics, or even your religion—but you can never change your football team.”
So, we wait.
We believe.
And we look forward to Argentina rising again.
¡Vamos Argentina!
Question for football lovers: Was this Spain team one of the greatest World Cup champions you have ever watched?
